With Mike Woodson set to retire at the end of the season, the Indiana Hoosiers are now at the center of one of the most important coaching searches in college basketball. Among the voices weighing in on the matter, St. John’s head coach Rick Pitino made a strong and unwavering endorsement of Ole Miss head coach Chris Beard.
Rick Pitino Strongly Endorses Chris Beard for Indiana Hoosiers Head Coach
The Hoosiers, a program with a storied history, require a leader who can restore their dominance. During an appearance on Barstool Sports’ “Pardon My Take,” Pitino, a Hall of Fame coach with extensive experience at the highest level, did not hesitate in making his opinion clear.
He firmly stated that Beard should be the first and only candidate considered for the position.
“I would immediately not even interview anybody else and hire one of the premier coaches in all of college basketball–that’s Chris Beard,” Pitino said. “I wouldn’t even think about another person. He’s perfect for that job.”
Pitino’s endorsement came from firsthand experience. He recalled visiting Texas Tech when Beard was the head coach and being impressed by how he ran his program. He specifically praised Beard’s ability to structure his practices and build team chemistry.
“I always judge a coach by his practices, and I have to tell you, those are some of the best practices and meetings with his team that I have ever witnessed,” Pitino shared. “So I am a gigantic fan of Chris Beard, and I think he would kill it at Indiana.”
St. John’s head coach Rick Pitino says it’s a no brainer that Indiana should hire Chris Beard.
“I wouldn’t even think about another person.” pic.twitter.com/7QwL5Ce8Y4
— College Basketball Content (@CBBcontent) February 21, 2025
Beard has established himself as one of the most successful and respected coaches in college basketball. His biggest achievement came in 2019 when he led Texas Tech to the national championship game, proving his ability to build a title-contending team.
Currently, Beard is leading Ole Miss to a strong season, with the Rebels ranked No. 24 in the country and holding a 19-7 record. Pitino emphasized how impactful Beard could be at Indiana.
“He’d have them in the top five to seven every single year,” and even going as far as calling him, “a superstar. Top three coach in my estimation,” the legendary coach said.
Given Indiana’s desire to return to national prominence, Beard’s ability to consistently produce winning teams and develop top-tier talent makes him a compelling candidate.
Rick Pitino’s Impact at St. John’s
The Hoosiers’ administration will have multiple options to evaluate, but with Pitino’s public backing, Beard’s name will certainly be a major part of the discussion.
If Indiana is serious about making an immediate turnaround, hiring Beard could be a strategic move to bring the program back to elite status.
Pitino’s credibility in evaluating coaching talent is further reinforced by his success at St. John’s. Since taking over the program, he has led a major resurgence, turning a struggling team into a legitimate contender.
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His Red Storm squad made a statement with an 89-75 victory over No. 1 UConn, completing a season sweep of the Huskies for the first time since 1999-2000.
With a 24-4 record, St. John’s is inching closer to a Big East title, with crucial upcoming matchups against Butler, Seton Hall, and Marquette.
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